First and Second Families Call Nation to Action with National Day of Service Jan. 19

Friday

Jan 4, 2013 at 11:13 AMJan 4, 2013 at 12:18 PM

Local events include community supper, volunteer opportunities

The First and Second Families are asking all Americans to join together in service to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. As part of the 57th Presidential Inauguration, the 2013 Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) is encouraging all Americans to participate in a National Day of Service on Saturday, Jan. 19, by signing up on the PIC's new webpage, www.2013pic.org/service.

In Ionia County, activities will include a community supper from 5 to 8 p.m. Jan. 20 at Ionia First United Methodist Church, and a variety of volunteer opportunities. Visit the Ionia County Peace Community website, ioniacountypeacecommunity.org, to learn more.

In 2009, President Obama and the First Lady started the tradition of holding a National Day of Service the weekend before the swearing-in. President Obama has always believed that everyone has something they can contribute to their community, and that America works best when neighbors help neighbors. Volunteers are organizing service events in all 50 states and the PIC will host a major service fair on the National Mall. Events are organized into seven service themes: Community Resilience, Economic Development, Education, Environment, Faith, Health, and Veterans and Military Families. The First and Second Families will also participate in service events in the Washington, D.C. area. Americans can find an event or sign up to host their own at the National Day of Service webpage.

"Service is more than a one-off event, it's a lifelong commitment," President Barack Obama said. "The strength of America depends on the strength of our people. That's why I'm calling on all Americans to take part in the National Day of Service. We all can give back to our communities on January 19 and throughout the coming year."

"The National Day of Service is an opportunity for all Americans, no matter where they are, to be a part of the Inauguration," Vice President Joe Biden said. "Everyone can contribute in service to their community. My family is among the many looking forward to rolling up our sleeves and recommitting ourselves to service."

To engage all Americans in the hard work of shaping our future, the First and Second Families are asking Americans to do three things: (1) LEARN: Go to 2013pic.org/service and learn about how to join or host a local service event. (2) SERVE: Sign up to serve on January 19, 2013, to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a man who dedicated his life to service. (3) PLEDGE: Pledge to serve in the community regularly in the future.

More information on the 2013 Presidential Inaugural Committee can be found at www.2013pic.org and on Twitter @obamainaugural.